1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 飼 (pronounced “shi” or “sai”) means “to keep” or “to raise” animals. It is commonly used in the context of pet ownership or animal husbandry.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji 飼 is a compound character that combines the radical for “animal” (犭) with the character for “to serve” (司). This reflects the idea of taking care of animals.
Radical: The radical of 飼 is 犭, which is related to animals and is often found in kanji associated with pets or livestock.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 飼い犬 (かいいぬ, kai inu) – pet dog
- 飼い猫 (かいねこ, kai neko) – pet cat
- 飼育 (しいく, shiiku) – breeding or raising animals
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 私は犬を飼っています。 (わたしは いぬを かっています。) – I have a dog.
- 彼は猫を飼うのが好きです。 (かれは ねこを かうのが すきです。) – He likes to keep cats.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 育 (いく, iku) – to raise or nurture, often used in a broader sense including education.
- 飼育 (しいく, shiiku) – specifically refers to the act of raising animals.
Antonyms:
- 放す (はなす, hanasu) – to release or let go, which is the opposite of keeping or raising.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of keeping animals is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where pets are often considered family members. The care for animals is reflected in various aspects of life, including festivals and traditional practices.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 犬も歩けば棒に当たる (いぬもあるけばぼうにあたる) – “If a dog walks, it will hit a stick,” meaning that taking action can lead to unexpected results, often used in the context of taking care of pets.